Holy Seattle

So word on the street is that the MLS is going to add Seattle as their 15th club in 2009. A league announcement is set for two weeks.
The owners are expected to be those of the USL side in Seattle, who will play a large role in the ownership. Interestingly enough the new club will be called the Sounders. Also, the expansion fee will be in the $30 million range.

I am also hearing that the USL side will stop playing after this season in order to build up some hype for the new club. I don’t really understand such a move since it would make much more sense to keep the current Seattle squad going for a year and building the MLS team from that roster before the 2009 season or even starting fresh like every other expansion club in the league.

I have always loved the idea of a club in Seattle for the MLS so this is a good move really. I don’t know what it will mean for cities like Philadelphia and St.Louis. More than likely the next club will come from one of those two cities.

I am also eager to see their stadium situation unfold in the coming weeks up to the official announcement from the league offices. They must have some sort of deal with Qwest Field to move on without a SSS in place for when they start.
What’s your thoughts on Seattle joining the league?